12 Disney Quotes to Inspire White People to Be Anti-racist
Disney movies have never really been the best at helping their audiences realize their own privilege and complicity in white supremacist society, but some quotes (predominantly by characters of color) can be used to inspire activism and action.
"Sometimes the right path is not the easiest one." - Grandmother Willow
Now is not the time to be complacent and carry on with life as normal. Frankly, there has never been a time when it has been right to stick with the status quo of white supremacy.
"Ohana means family and family means nobody gets left behind." - Stitch
Let us not leave our Black, Indigenous, people of color, LGBTQIA+, disabled, or other minority family members behind.
"Oh yes, the past can hurt. But the way I see it, you can either run from it or learn from it." - Rafiki
Systemic racism has been a problem in the United States for a very long time. And you yourself may have had implicit biases that you aren't proud of. Let's learn from it and move forward to a better future.
"A true hero isn't measured by the size of his strength but by the strength of his heart." - Zeus
Although you are one person and may not have the greatest strength in numbers, caring about others and putting their needs above your own is heroic.
"The only way to get what you want in this world is through hard work." - Tiana
If we want a more just, more equitable, less racist world, we have to put in the hard work. Regularly. Not just when it's trendy to do so.
"Just because it's what's done, doesn't mean it's what should be done." - Cinderella (2015)
We need to tear down the harmful societal structures that have been the norm for centuries.
"Life’s not a spectator sport. If watchin’ is all you’re gonna do, then you’re gonna watch your life go by without ya." - Gargoyle Laverne
What do you want to be able to tell your kids about what you did during this revolution? Will you be proud to say you were just a spectator? I don't think so.
"You speak of justice, yet you are cruel to those most in need of your help." - Esmeralda
Let this inspire you to end cruel treatment of others. Use it to call out all the people who are reluctant to join us in this movement.
"For every minute for the rest of my life, I will fight." - Rapunzel
Fighting for justice won't end tomorrow or likely next week. Keep going. There will be another cause to pick up after this one, too.
"I won't be silenced, though you wanna see me tremble when you try it. All I know is I won't go speechless, speechless. 'Cause I'll breathe when they try to suffocate me" - Princess Jasmine (2019)
Jasmine's song encourages us all to speak up, echoing the words of Ginetta Sagan, a human rights activist, "Silence in the face of injustice is complicity with the oppressor."
"Hope is like the sun. If you only believe it when you see it you'll never make it through the night." - Leia Organa
Stay hopeful that we will make a difference even when it feels like our efforts have been futile.
"All of our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them." - Walt Disney
Sometimes it will require courage to go after the better world we're dreaming of, whether that means challenging the beliefs of people you love or protecting someone with less privilege than you from someone else that wants to harm them.
Hopefully these inspire you to make the world a more magical place for each and every person. Share how you're planning to take anti-racist action this week below!
Resources
5 Anti-Racist Actions for White People To Take During Covid-19
Use Your Everyday Privilege to Help Others
9 Ways You Can Use White Privilege for Good